This unique museum is housed in one of the most beautiful castles in the world, Leeds Castle, which houses an ancient collection of dog collars, about 5 centuries of history: from medieval to Victorian times.
Animal lovers, however, will be disappointed since ... animals cannot enter.
Some rooms of the castle, which is considered the most beautiful and romantic in the United Kingdom, house a collection of collars that belonged to furry friends who lived in the manor from the Middle Ages to the Victorian age.
In ancient times the collar had a very different function from that of today, which is very often exquisitely aesthetic.
They were used to protect dogs from wolves and bears that inhabited the forests and that could have bitten them in the throat during an attack.
Some of the most beautiful examples are the Baroque ones, of German or Austrian origin, which date back to the 17th century.
They are made of leather, decorated with velvet and chiseled metal, often adorned with gems.
In the 18th century, the fashion for silver collars flourished, made to measure by the most skilled craftsmen.
Some carry engravings with the dog's name and cite a courageous action in which he distinguished himself.
Maidstone Museum - Dog Collar Museum - Leeds Castle
Address: St Faith's St, Maidstone ME14 1LH
Phone: +44 1622 602169
Site:
https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/Location inserted by
giulia